Brake technology and brake fade in Car&Driver.

lemming · 06-26-2008, 09:17 AM

this month's Car&Driver has a funny article on brake technology (single pot versus multipots) as well as brake fade.

overall, the 350Z and the FX50 did horribly.

the GM vehicles did much better than i would have thought --the Porsche vehicles were the best by far.

......and the 335i......well.......it is what it is.

Nick M3 · 06-26-2008, 09:41 AM

For some reason, the Japanese do not seem to believe in putting usable brake pads on their cars.

lemming · 06-26-2008, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick M3

For some reason, the Japanese do not seem to believe in putting usable brake pads on their cars.

it was really fun reading.

the FX50S has brakes that fade to an extent that is frightening and could be a potential NHTSA issue down the road (heavy vehicle X multiple slam stops = freight train crash).

they did not find a notable difference between standard 911 brakes versus PCCB brakes. the Z51 did all right for little 2pot brakes up front (1pots in rear) --the Nismo Z was also horrific.

the 335i was the worst in its peer group, i think (luxury cars).

John V · 06-26-2008, 09:57 AM

The Z51 brakes are hardly little, given the (relatively low) mass of the car. Why would you say they're "little?"

lemming · 06-26-2008, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John V

The Z51 brakes are hardly little, given the (relatively low) mass of the car. Why would you say they're "little?"

they actually look quite small (to me) on the car in person.

even Z51 brakes.

John V · 06-26-2008, 10:15 AM

They "look" small? The front brakes are 13.4" in diameter and 1.26" thick.

For reference, the rotors on the front of a 987 Boxster S are 12.5" in diameter and 1.1" thick.

Sharp11 · 06-26-2008, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemming

the 335i was the worst in its peer group, i think (luxury cars).

I've only skimmed the piece thus far, but I thought they said the 335 had self adjusting brakes that worked really well?

Ed

John V · 06-26-2008, 11:14 AM

The 335's "adjusting" brakes are brilliant, really. Artificially apply the brakes harder to hide the fade. What happens when the brakes are faded the point they don't work anymore? You go off the track with no warning?

Sharp11 · 06-26-2008, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John V

The 335's "adjusting" brakes are brilliant, really. Artificially apply the brakes harder to hide the fade. What happens when the brakes are faded the point they don't work anymore? You go off the track with no warning?

I don't think the article gets into that type of opining, but I'll read it later today .....

Ed

Rob · 06-26-2008, 12:00 PM

What is the 335 peer group? I haven't ever felt brake fade other then breaking the brakes in, but . . . I am old, have kids, usually have one of the kids in teh car in the morning, and haven't been to the track. Still . . . 99.5% of their customers have driving habits more tame then mine, I am sure.

06-26-2008, 09:17 AM	#1
lemming Western Anomaly Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: White Orca Posts: 16,612	Brake technology and brake fade in Car&Driver. this month's Car&Driver has a funny article on brake technology (single pot versus multipots) as well as brake fade. overall, the 350Z and the FX50 did horribly. the GM vehicles did much better than i would have thought --the Porsche vehicles were the best by far. ......and the 335i......well.......it is what it is. __________________

06-26-2008, 09:41 AM	#2
Nick M3 Relic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Bethesda, MD Posts: 12,458	For some reason, the Japanese do not seem to believe in putting usable brake pads on their cars. __________________ 2011 M3 2006 Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison 2004 X5 3.0i 6MT 1995 M3 S50B32 1990 325is 1989 M3 S54B32 Hers: 1989 325iX 1996 911 Turbo

06-26-2008, 09:57 AM	#4
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	The Z51 brakes are hardly little, given the (relatively low) mass of the car. Why would you say they're "little?"

06-26-2008, 10:15 AM	#6
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	They "look" small? The front brakes are 13.4" in diameter and 1.26" thick. For reference, the rotors on the front of a 987 Boxster S are 12.5" in diameter and 1.1" thick.

06-26-2008, 11:14 AM	#8
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	The 335's "adjusting" brakes are brilliant, really. Artificially apply the brakes harder to hide the fade. What happens when the brakes are faded the point they don't work anymore? You go off the track with no warning?

06-26-2008, 12:00 PM	#10
Rob The user formerly known as rwg Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: Z4 Location: Vegas baby! Posts: 8,261	What is the 335 peer group? I haven't ever felt brake fade other then breaking the brakes in, but . . . I am old, have kids, usually have one of the kids in teh car in the morning, and haven't been to the track. Still . . . 99.5% of their customers have driving habits more tame then mine, I am sure.